Both reports criticized the SAQ for its lack of efficiency, which hurts its profitability and ability to pass on savings to consumers.

The Robillard commission suggested “eliminating the monopoly of the SAQ and opening the door to competition would directly benefit consumers.”

Another recent study, by the HEC’s Centre for Productivity and Prosperity, found that, “since the late 1980s, the SAQ has considerably increased the dividends it remits annually to the government, but its productivity has not improved. … Hence the government has not maximized its return on the SAQ’s operations.”

I doubt anyone will be surprised to learn that a government monopoly was found to be inefficient. In fairness, the SAQ has taken some steps to address the problem.

Since last April, 280 administrative jobs have been eliminated. The head office and distribution centre are being centralized. And there’s a push on online sales.

Result? Consumers have seen prices reduced three times in the the past year.

What remains to be seen is whether the SAQ can maintain or maybe even increase its dividend to the government, which last year amounted to more than $1 billion.

The bigger question, however, is this: What are the pros and cons of changing the way alcohol is sold in Quebec?

Few critics of the monopoly demand outright privatization, but rather “liberalization” by opening the market to other retailers — similar to what Alberta did in the early 1990s.

Under this model, the government retains control of the wholesale sector and allows competition at the retail level. A tax or charge is levied on all sales to help fill government coffers.

This would allow the Quebec government to alter the way wine is sold in the province without the risk of having its monopoly challenged by the World Trade Organization.

It’s a touchy subject: British Columbia’s recent decision to allow B.C. wineries to sell through grocery stores is being challenged by the European Union, United States, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia.

According to lawyer Mark Hicken, who runs winelaw.ca, “if a province decided to retain control of the wholesale level, it could do so as long as it treated imported and domestic products the same.”

But would allowing other retailers mean better prices for consumers?

Probably not. Quebecers already pay some of the cheapest prices in Canada, even when compared to “free market” Alberta, which I have found to be more expensive.

Would selection be better?

Well, consider this: Between what’s available at the SAQ and via private import, Quebecers have access to more than 25,000 different alcohol products each year.

The hitch, though, is that private import wines have been available only by the case. The SAQ says it plans to have all these wines available by the bottle on SAQ.com in two to three years.

So do we really need even more selection?

The answer, for the majority of Quebecers, is probably no.

What would and must change, however, is access. As it stands, dépanneurs and grocery stores can sell only wines that are bottled in Quebec. Allowing them to stock their shelves with quality wines would be a definite benefit to consumers.

Would service be better?

Most Quebecers, I think, are pretty satisfied now. The causal drinker is well served at the SAQ, which continues to maintain a presence outside major city centres.

The vast majority of wine sold in Quebec is under $20. While I can’t say for sure, with its “taste tags” and basic employee training, the SAQ would continue to do a better job serving clients than, say, a Costco or Walmart.

However, the big difference would be for informed consumers. It is unreasonable for even the most passionate SAQ wine advisor to have more than cursory knowledge of even 1,000 wines, let alone thousands. If, for example, a wine agency set up its own store, it would offer much more detailed information about each wine. There could even be specialty stores for organic wines and other niche products.

I admit I dream of having access to this type of store. I don’t need a choice of 10,000 or 20,000 wines. But I would love to find a small store that fits my tastes, and can respond to my questions.

For now, though, this is all just a discussion. Pro-liberalization critic Marc-André Gagnon of VinQuebec.com, who has created a number of discussion points on the subject, told me the government has carried out in-depth studies of various scenarios, but has not made them public.

I have no idea if we are moving toward a new liquor retailing landscape in Quebec. But I bet that until the government figures out how it can make more money by changing things, it will remain a dream, at least for some Quebecers.

***

Your turn to taste … with yours truly. I will be leading a tasting called “démystifier le vin blanc” at Dock 619 in Longueuil on April 5. Seven white wines will be served, along with perfectly matched food, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 619 rue le Breton. Price: $85 plus tax (service is included). Lots of free parking. For more information and to purchase tickets, search on eventbrite.ca.

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